Smoke detector shields and related methods

ABSTRACT

Smoke detector shields for blocking or minimizing the transmission of light therethrough and methods for use are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for shielding a smoked detector includes shielding at least a portion of a smoke detector operationally arranged within a room, and subsequently activating a light emission device arranged within the room, while shielding the smoke detector. In order to exclude light emission devices, which are commonly used within a room for lighting and/or communication purposes, the light emission device set forth in the method is configured for generating infrared light at a radiant intensity greater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/or ultraviolet light at a radiant intensity greater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/or visible light at a luminous flux greater than approximately 3000 lumens. Embodiments of smoke detector shields that prevent such light from penetrating the housing of a shielded smoke detector are provided herein.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/037,500, filed Jul. 17, 2018, which is a continuation of pendingInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/013961 filed Jan. 18,2017, which designates the United States and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,001, filed Jan. 18, 2016.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to shields for smoke detectors.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior artby virtue of their inclusion within this section.

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light source and a photoelectricreceiver to detect whether or not smoke is present in its ambient. Smokeis determined to be present when a change in the amount of lightreceived at the photoelectric receiver exceeds a pre-determined value.Upon the smoke detector determining smoke is present, a fire alarm istripped. Some smoke detectors, sometimes referred to as spot type smokedetectors, have its light source and photoelectric receiver arranged ina chamber within the smoke detector for a confined location at which todetect smoke. Other smoke detectors project a beam of light exterior tothe smoke detector to detect smoke. The latter is commonly used in largewide open spaces, such as auditoriums. Spot type smoke detectors, on theother hand, are commonly used in rooms of relatively smaller size, suchas rooms typically found in a house, office building or hospital. Ineither type, the light source is generally an infrared light source, anultraviolet light source or a visible light source.

In some cases, a photoelectric receiver of a smoke detector may not beshielded from ambient light in the room in which the smoke detector isarranged and, thus, infrared light, ultraviolet light, relatively largechanges of visible light, or particularly high intensities of visiblelight from external sources in the room may cause the smoke detector totrigger a false fire alarm. Examples of devices and systems which mayconstitute such external sources of infrared light, ultraviolet lightand/or visible light may include but are not limited to germicidal lightdisinfection systems, operating room lights, phototherapy systems, UVlight curing systems and remote controls for electronic devices.Removing or de-energizing smoke detectors is generally against firecodes and, thus, neither is an option for mitigating false fire alarmsthat may occur during the operation of external sources of infraredlight, ultraviolet light and/or visible light in a room.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to develop a device that shields aphotoelectric receiver of a spot type smoke detector from lightgenerated in the ambient of a room in which the smoke detector isarranged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following description of various embodiments of smoke detectorshields and methods of use is not to be construed in any way as limitingthe subject matter of the appended claims.

Smoke detector shields, which are configured to block or minimize thetransmission of light there through, and methods for use are providedherein. According to one embodiment, a smoke detector shield may includea shroud configured for surrounding at least a majority portion of asmoke detector. The shroud may comprise one or more materials that blockthat transmission of infrared light, ultraviolet light and/or visiblelight. In one embodiment, the material used to form the shroud may bespecifically configured for blocking transmission of infrared light.

In one embodiment, the shroud of the smoke detector shield may generallyinclude a first end, a second end opposing the first end, one or moresidewalls extending between the first and second ends, and a seal. Thefirst end may have an opening, which is dimensionally configured toreceive a smoke detector mounted on a surface (e.g., a ceiling or wallof a room). In some cases, the opening in the first end of the shroudmay range between about 4 inches and about 12 inches in diameter. Thesecond end of the shroud may have an opening, which is dimensionallyconfigured to expose one or more smoke inlets of the received smokedetector. In some cases, the opening in the second end of the shroudranges between about 2 inches and about 10 inches in diameter. The oneor more sidewalls of the shroud may be collectively configured tosurround a portion of the received smoke detector without covering theexposed smoke inlets. In some cases, a height of the one or moresidewalls may range between about 1 inch and about 6 inches.

In some cases, the first and second ends of the shroud may both comprisea substantially rigid material. In other cases, the first end of theshroud may comprise a substantially pliant material, and the second endof the shroud may comprise a substantially rigid material. Examples ofsubstantially rigid materials include, but are not limited to, amodified polyphenyene ether/olefin resin blend (e.g., a Noryl™ resin),poly(methyl methacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™), polycarbonate, wood, andvarious metals or metalized materials (e.g., gold, aluminum, etc.).Examples of substantially pliant materials include, but are not limitedto, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (aka, Mylar™),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (aka, Teflon™), and silicone. In somecases, one or more of the materials listed above as pliant may be maderigid (and vice versa), depending on blend, composition, thickness, etc.of the material. In some cases, a substantially pliant material may beinfused or coated onto a substantially rigid base to render thecombination substantially rigid.

Regardless of whether the first and second ends comprise the samematerial or a different material, or a substantially rigid material or asubstantially pliant material, the shroud preferably comprises amaterial that is configured to block the transmission of infrared light,and/or ultraviolet light and/or visible light. Examples of materialsconfigured to block infrared light include, but are not limited to, amodified polyphenyene ether/olefin resin blend (e.g., a Noryl™ resin),poly(methyl methacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™) having a thickness greaterthan about 0.118 inch, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate(aka, Mylar™), and various metals or metalized materials (e.g., gold,aluminum, etc.). Examples of materials configured to block ultravioletlight include, but are not limited to, poly(methyl methacrylate) (aka,Plexiglas™), polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE) (aka, Teflon™),biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (aka, Mylar™),polycarbonate, wood, silicone, and various metals or metalizedmaterials. Some of the materials listed above may also be configured toblock the transmission of visible light.

In some cases, the shroud may comprise a seal, which is disposed atleast along a peripheral edge of the opening in the second end of theshroud. The seal may dimensionally configured to conform to an exteriorsurface of the smoke detector. In some cases, the seal may be a gasket.In other cases, the seal may comprise an elastic material or an elasticband. In any case, the seal may be disposed along the peripheral edge ofthe opening in the second end of the shroud to provide a light tightand/or air tight seal at the exterior surface of the smoke detector.

In some embodiments, the smoke detector shield may further include twoor more suspension members coupled to and extending below the shroud,and a component coupled to the suspension members, such that a gapexists between the shroud and the component. In some embodiments, alower surface of the component may include a connector for coupling to apole. In some embodiments, the smoke detector shield may further includeone or more quick release devices for decoupling the pole from theconnector.

According to another embodiment, a device for shielding a smoke detectoris provided herein with a shroud, which is configured for surrounding atleast a majority portion of a smoke detector, and a pole having a firstend coupled to the shroud, and a second end opposing the first end. Insome cases, the pole may comprise a length, or may be configured toextend to a length, of at least approximately 3.0 feet. In other cases,the pole may comprise a length, or may be configured to extend to alength, of at least approximately 5.0 feet. In some cases, the pole maybe a fixed length pole. In other cases, the pole may be a telescopingpole. In some cases, one or more quick release devices may be includedfor detaching the pole from the shroud and/or for disassembling the poleinto two or more sections.

In some embodiments, the device may include a support base, which iscoupled near the second end of the pole for supporting the device on asubstantially horizontal surface. In some cases, the support base may bea collapsible tripod, although the support base is not so limited. Insome cases, the support base, shroud, and pole may be configurable suchthat the device is able to attain a height of at least approximately 7feet, at least approximately 9 feet, or at least approximately 12 feet.Other heights may also be attainable by the device. In some cases, thesupport base may be omitted, and the second end of the pole may beconfigured for supporting the device on a substantially horizontalsurface.

In some embodiments, the shroud may be configured to encapsulate anentirety of the smoke detector when the smoke detector is mounted to asurface (e.g., a ceiling or wall of a room). In other embodiments, theshroud may be configured to surround at least a majority portion of thesmoke detector, while leaving one or more smoke inlets of the smokedetector uncovered by the shroud. In some embodiments, the shroud maycomprise an upper surface, which is configured for attachment to asurface upon which the smoke detector is mounted. In other embodiments,the shroud may comprise an upper surface, which is configured forattachment to the smoke detector.

Exemplary methods for shielding a smoke detector are also providedherein. Such methods may be performed using any of the smoke detectorshield embodiments described herein. In general, such methods mayinclude shielding at least a portion of a smoke detector that isoperationally arranged within a room, and activating a light emissiondevice arranged within the room while shielding the at least a portionof the smoke detector. In some cases, the method may includedeactivating the light emission device, and subsequently unshielding thesmoke detector. In other cases, the smoke detector may remain shieldedafter the light emission device has been deactivated.

In order to exclude light emission devices, which are commonly usedwithin a room for lighting and/or communication purposes, the lightemission device may be configured for generating infrared light at aradiant intensity greater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/or ultravioletlight at a radiant intensity greater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/orvisible light at a luminous flux greater than approximately 3000 lumens.In one example, the light emission device may be a germicidal lightdisinfection apparatus. In such an example, the step of activating thelight emission device may include remotely activating the light emissiondevice from outside of the room. In some cases, the room may beevacuated subsequent to positioning the smoke detector shield around thesmoke detector and prior to activating the light emission device, whenthe light emission device is a germicidal light disinfection apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a smokedetector shield including an a tortuous air path for smoke to enter thesmoke detector shield;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the smoke detector shield depicted in FIG.1 in alignment with a smoke detector;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the smoke detector shielddepicted in FIG. 1 installed around a smoke detector;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an alternativesmoke detector shield including a tortuous air path, according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an alternativesmoke detector shield including a tortuous air path, according to athird embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an alternativesmoke detector shield including a tortuous air path, according to afourth embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment a smokedetector shield including a shroud, a support base and a telescopingpole;

FIG. 8 illustrates the smoke detector shield depicted in FIG. 7 with itstelescoping pole in a retracted position; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the smoke detector shield depicted in FIG. 7 in aretracted position and placed in a container.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative smoke detectorshield including a shroud, a support base and a telescoping pole,according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 10B illustrates an enlarged view of the shroud depicted in FIG.10A;

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of asmoke detector shield including a shroud configured to cover at least aportion of a smoke detector, while leaving one or more smoke inlets ofthe smoke detector uncovered by the shroud;

FIG. 11B illustrates an enlarged view of the smoke detector shielddepicted in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C illustrates an exploded view of the smoke detector shielddepicted in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smoke alarmhaving a smoke detector coupled to a base; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view drawing of the smoke alarm depicted inFIG. 12.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Smoke detector shields and methods are provided herein to mitigate falsetripping of smoke detectors, which are generally associated with smokeand/or fire alarms. As used herein, the term “smoke alarm” refers to adevice or system having at least one smoke sensing device, at least oneaudible alarm and at least one power source (e.g., a battery orconnection to mains power). Conversely, the term “smoke detector” asused herein refers only to the smoke sensing device. Unlike an alarm, a“smoke detector” does not contain an audible alarm or its own powersource and, thus, must be coupled to another device or system comprisingsuch in order to detect and alert the presence of smoke in its ambientenvironment.

In some cases, a smoke detector may be electrically coupled to a base,which includes an audible alarm and a power supply. In such cases, thecombination of the smoke detector and the base may provide a singleself-contained smoke alarm for detecting and alerting the presence ofsmoke. An example of a self-contained smoke alarm comprising both asmoke detector and a base is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 anddiscussed in more detail below. In other cases, a smoke detector withouta base may be coupled to an alarm system, such as but not limited to afire control alarm panel, which may be common to a plurality of smokedetectors and/or include a variety of additional functions other thantriggering an audible alarm (e.g., activating visual alarms, activatinga sprinkler system and/or alerting a fire response team). In yet othercases, a smoke detector with a base (having an audible alarm and/or apower supply in the base) may be coupled to an alarm system, which iscommon to a plurality of smoke detectors and, thus, the device depictedin FIGS. 12 and 13 may also represent a smoke alarm integrated within asystem connected to a plurality of smoke alarms.

As set forth in more detail below, the embodiments of smoke detectorshields and methods described herein may mitigate false tripping ofsmoke detectors by shielding at least a portion of a smoke detector, orat least a portion of the smoke sensing device of a smoke alarm, fromambient light in a room in which the smoke detector/alarm isoperationally arranged. As used herein, “operationally arranged” meansthe smoke detector is arranged within the room and connected to a powersource (such as a battery or mains power) for detecting the presence ofsmoke.

There are many different types of smoke detectors, including thoseintended to detect heat, changes in ionization or changes in light. Thelatter type of smoke detector, referred to as a photoelectric smokedetector, generally includes a light source configured to emit light, aphotoelectric receiver configured to generate a photocurrent upondetecting light, and circuitry configured to convert the photocurrentinto a signal voltage. The light emitted and/or detected in aphotoelectric smoke detector may include infrared light, ultravioletlight and/or visible light.

In some types of photoelectric smoke detectors, referred to as spot typephotoelectric smoke detectors, the light source and the photoelectricreceiver are confined within the smoke detector housing, so that lightfrom the light source is projected within the housing and detected bythe photoelectric receiver. In such a smoke detector, smoke particlespresent within the housing may be detected based on a light scatteringprinciple or a light obstruction principle, depending on the relativearrangement of the light source and photoelectric receiver within thesmoke detector housing.

According to one embodiment, the smoke detector shields and methodsdescribed herein may be specifically configured to mitigate falsetripping of spot type photoelectric smoke detectors. More specifically,the smoke detector shields described herein may be configured to preventphotoelectric smoke detectors, particularly the photoelectric receiversprovided within the housing of a photoelectric smoke detector, fromreceiving and detecting ambient light in a room.

As used herein, the term “ambient light” refers to light generated ortransmitted into a room exterior to the smoke detector. Ambient lightmay be any type or spectrum of light, including but not limited toinfrared light, ultraviolet light, and/or visible light. Ambient lightmay be generated by a natural source (such as the sun, for example) orby another source external to the smoke detector. Examples of devicesand systems which may provide external sources of infrared light,ultraviolet light and/or visible light may include, but are not limitedto, germicidal light disinfection systems, operating room lights,phototherapy systems, UV light curing systems and remote controls forelectronic devices.

When a spot type photoelectric smoke detector is configured to operatein accordance with the light scattering principle, the light source andphotoelectric receiver are typically mounted on a common surface withina smoke sensing chamber of the smoke detector. The light source is oftenpositioned at an angle to a spectrally matched photoelectric receiver,and configured to project a beam of light into the smoke sensingchamber. Ideally, during a “no smoke” condition, only light reflectedfrom the chamber walls may enter the photoelectric receiver and show upas a small photocurrent. As smoke particles enter the smoke sensingchamber and cross the projected light beam, however, more lightparticles reach the photoelectric receiver due to scattering. Thisresults in a larger photocurrent, which is converted by the receivercircuitry into a signal voltage. The signal voltage may either bedigitized and transmitted to a fire alarm system for further processing,or may be used to produce an alarm if the signal voltage crosses athreshold level.

When a spot type photoelectric smoke detector is configured to operatein accordance with the light obstruction principle, the light source istypically mounted within the smoke sensing chamber of the smokedetector, while the photoelectric receiver is mounted outside of thesmoke sensing chamber. In some cases, the photoelectric receiver may bemounted on a surface opposing the surface on which the light source ismounted, and may be positioned within the path of the light beamprojected by the light source. As smoke particles enter the smokesensing chamber and cross the projected light beam, light is scatteredand redirected away from the photoelectric receiver, resulting indecreased photocurrent. The photocurrent generated by the photoelectricreceiver is converted by the receiver circuitry into a signal voltage,which may be digitized and transmitted to a fire alarm system forfurther processing, or may be used to signal an alarm when the signalvoltage crosses a threshold level.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view ofan exemplary smoke alarm 200 including a spot type photoelectric smokedetector 202 connected to a base alarm 204. In the illustratedembodiment, smoke detector 202 is provided within smoke detector housing206 and base alarm 204 is provided within base housing 208. In somecases, base housing 208 may be coupled to smoke detector housing 206 viaan interlock coupling mechanism, as shown in FIG. 13. Other means ofattachment may also be used. In other cases, base housing 208 may beformed integrally with smoke detector housing 206. In either case, aplurality of smoke inlets 210 are generally provided within the smokedetector housing 206 for allowing smoke particles to enter an interiorchamber (otherwise referred to as a smoke detecting chamber) of thesmoke detector 202. It should be understood that the configuration andnumber of smoke inlets is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG.12. In other embodiments, the smoke inlets may comprise a plurality ofperforations formed within a substantially planar surface of the smokedetector housing.

FIG. 13 provides a cross-sectional view of the smoke alarm 200 shown inFIG. 12 to illustrate interior components of the smoke alarm in moredetail, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, smoke detector202 includes interior smoke detecting chamber 220, the boundaries ofwhich are defined, at least in part, by perforated sidewalls 222, cap224 and bottom 230. Perforated sidewalls 222 allow air and smokeparticles that enter the smoke inlets 210 of smoke detector housing 206to flow into (and back out of) interior chamber 220. Light source 226 isdisposed within interior chamber 220 for projecting a beam of light intothe chamber. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 13,photoelectric receiver 228 is disposed outside of and below the interiorchamber 220, particularly below a bottom 230 of chamber 220, fordetecting light that is emitted from light source 226 (and possibly fromother sources external to smoked detector 202). Although not shown inFIG. 13, smoke detector 202 may also include circuitry for convertingthe photocurrent generated by photoelectric receiver 228 into a signalvoltage, which may be digitized and transmitted to a fire alarm systemfor further processing, or used to signal an alarm when the signalvoltage reaches a predetermined level.

Light source 226 may be generally configured to emit one or more typesof light (such as, e.g., infrared light, ultraviolet light and/orvisible light). In some cases, light source 226 may be configured toemit multiple types of light (i.e., any type of light in addition toinfrared light, ultraviolet light and/or visible light). In other cases,light source 226 may be configured to emit only one type of light (e.g.,only infrared light, only ultraviolet light, or only visible light) and,in some cases, less than the entire spectrum of that type of light. Insome cases, light source 226 may be configured to emit light having apeak spectral emission. In one particular example, light source 226 maybe an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) having a peak spectralemission of about 880 nanometers (nm) or about 950 nm. However, lightsource 226 is not limited to an LED or a particular peak spectralwavelength, and may alternatively be implemented with other lightsources and/or configured for emitting other wavelength(s) of light.

Photoelectric receiver 228 may be generally configured to detect one ormore types of light (such as, e.g., infrared light, ultraviolet lightand/or visible light). In some cases, photoelectric receiver 228 may beconfigured to detect light within the spectrum of light emitted by lightsource 226, or may detect light within a predetermined range of thespectrum of light emitted by light source 226. In some of these cases,the photoelectric receiver may be configured to only collect light of apredetermined range, particularly a predetermined range of infraredlight, ultraviolet light or visible light. In some cases, photoelectricreceiver 228 may be specific to the peak spectral emission of lightsource 226. Alternatively, the photoelectric receiver may not bespecific to the spectrum of light it is intended to receive from lightsource 226, and may be configured to detect substantially any spectrumof light. In some cases, photoelectric receiver 228 may be a broadspectrum receiver configured for collecting light over a relativelylarge wavelength range.

To minimize the amount of light entering or escaping the interiorchamber 220 of smoke detector 202, the interior chamber is often made ofa material, which is configured to block light or particular wavelengthsof light from being transmitted there through. In one example, thesidewalls of interior chamber 220 (including perforated walls 222) andcap 224 may be formed from a material, which is configured to reflectand/or absorb a majority of the light within a predetermined spectrum,particularly the spectrum which photoelectric receiver 228 and/or thecircuitry associated with the photoelectric receiver uses to generatevoltage signals to signal the presence of smoke.

While this approach may reduce false triggering of smoke alarms when thephotoelectric receiver of a smoke detector is disposed within theinterior chamber 220, the present inventors have determined throughextensive testing of different types of smoke detectors that it does notprevent false triggering of smoke alarms when the photoelectric receiver228 is disposed outside of the interior chamber 220, as in the case ofthe smoke detector shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The present inventors havedetermined that, when the photoelectric receiver 228 is disposed outsideof the interior chamber 220, the photoelectric receiver may receive anddetect certain types of ambient light. Specifically, the presentinventors have determined that, when not protected by the light blockingmaterial of interior chamber 220, photoelectric receiver 228 may receiveand detect ultraviolet light, infrared light, and/or relatively highintensity visible light from the ambient environment in which the smokealarm 200 is disposed. In particular, it was determined that some typesof ambient light (e.g., ultraviolet light, infrared light, and/or higherintensity visible light) were being transmitted through the smokedetector housing 206 and/or the base housing 208 and impinging upon thephotoelectric receiver 228, resulting in the generation of higherphotocurrents and false alarms. Therefore, the present inventorsconcluded that additional shielding was needed to protect thephotoelectric receiver 228 from receiving light from external lightsources and to prevent false triggering of the smoke alarm 200. Variousembodiments of smoke detector shields and related methods are providedherein for such purpose.

Some embodiments of the smoke detector shields described herein includean air path through the shield to allow air (and therefore, smokeparticles if present) to be routed to the smoke inlets of a shieldedsmoke detector. In this manner, even when a smoke detector shield isinstalled onto a smoke detector, the smoke detector may still functionto detect smoke in a room and trigger an alarm. In some cases, the airpath may comprise a tortuous route to minimize the transmission of lightthrough the smoke detector shield. In other cases, the smoke detectorshield may be configured to surround at least a majority portion of thesmoke detector, while leaving one or more smoke inlets of the smokedetector uncovered by the shield. In such cases, an unobstructed airpath may be provided to the smoke inlets of the shielded smoke detector.

Other embodiments of smoke detector shields described herein may providea light tight and/or airtight seal around a smoke detector byconfiguring the smoke detector shield to surround and enclose anentirety of the smoke detector when the smoke detector is installed ormounted upon a surface. Such shields may be considered for temporary useonly, such as for a limited amount of time, or in instances when a lightemission device is to be operated, which generates ultraviolet light,infrared light, and/or higher intensity visible light and/or generatesultraviolet light, infrared light, and/or visible light to cause asignificant differential in any one or more of those spectral ranges oflight in a room. Although not so limited, smoke detector shields fortemporary use may be configured such that an individual standing on afloor of a room can quickly and easily install the shield (e.g., withouthaving to employ a ladder to reach the smoke detector). In addition,embodiments of the smoke detector shields described herein may beconfigured to be readily portable.

It is noted that the smoke detector shields described herein should notbe limited to only those embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Inparticular, any of the smoke detector shields depicted in FIGS. 1-11 mayinclude additional components not explicitly shown in the drawings. Inaddition, any of the smoke detector shields depicted in FIGS. 1-11 mayinclude a rearrangement of parts (not shown in the drawings), whichaccomplishes the same objective described in reference to FIGS. 1-11.Furthermore, the drawings of FIGS. 1-11 are not necessarily drawn toscale. Moreover, the size and shape of the components of the smokedetector shields shown in FIGS. 1-11, as well as the size and shapes ofthe shields themselves, are considered to be exemplary. As an example,FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a smoke detector shield in theshape of a substantially right angle cylinder, and FIGS. 7-9 illustratean embodiment of a substantially cone-shaped smoke detector shield, butany other shape may be considered for either embodiment. FIGS. 10A-B and11A-B provide additional examples of smoke detector shields havingalternative shapes and/or configurations, which accomplish the same orsimilar objectives described in FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9.

Some embodiments of the smoke detector shields described herein areconfigured to be attached or fastened to a smoke detector, or to asurface upon which the smoke detector is mounted, with one or morefasteners. It should be understood, however, that the smoke detectorshields described herein are not limited to having fasteners of the typeand location shown in the drawings. In particular, although FIGS. 1-3illustrate the smoke detector shield affixed to a ceiling (oralternatively, a wall) of a room, embodiments of the smoke detectorshields described herein may be alternatively configured for attachmentto the smoke detector that it is configured to shield. In otherembodiments, the smoke detector shields may not be attached or fastenedto a smoke detector or to a mounting surface, and instead, may beconfigured to surround at least a majority portion of the smoke detectorand press tightly against the mounting surface to provide a light tightand/or air tight seal at the mounting surface.

Returning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of asmoke detector shield 20 including base plate 22, interior sleeve 24 andexterior sleeve 26. As shown in the drawings, interior sleeve 24 extendsup from the base plate 22 and exterior sleeve 26 surrounds interiorsleeve 24. Interior sleeve 24 may be coupled to exterior sleeve byprotrusions 23 slidingly engaged within notches 25 of exterior sleeve26, but other coupling mechanisms may be employed, such as but notlimited to screws, adhesive, magnets, clamps or any other fasteningmeans known in the art. In any case, as shown in the cross-sectionalview of smoke detector 20 in FIG. 3, the assembly of exterior sleeve 26to interior sleeve 24 along with base plate 22 forms open ended cavity28 by which to receive a smoke detector, such as smoke detector 30 shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

In general, interior sleeve 24 may be sized to accommodate at least aportion of a smoke detector, particularly the part of the smoke detectorwhere the photoelectric receiver is located. In some cases, interiorsleeve 24 may be particularly sized such that its upper surface extendsat least 1 inch and, more specifically at least 2 or 3 inches, above thepart of the smoke detector at which its photoelectric receiver islocated when smoke detector shield 20 is secured around smoke detector30. In any case, interior sleeve 24 may be additionally sized to providea particular volume for air to pass in proximity to smoke detector 30.Although the volume that open ended cavity 28 may be configured toprovide may vary widely depending on the size of the smoke detectors tobe received and the amount of air desired in proximity to the smokedetectors, an example range of volume that open ended cavity 28 mayprovide may be between approximately 50 in³ and approximately 300 in³.

In any case, although not shown in FIGS. 1-3, smoke detector shield 20may include one or more fasteners for securing the smoke detector shieldaround a smoke detector. The fasteners may be used to secure exteriorsleeve 26 to a ceiling or wall of a room to which smoke detector 30 isattached, particularly at tabs 32 of exterior sleeve 26. In otherembodiments, smoke detector shield 20 may be configured such thatfasteners may be used to secure exterior sleeve 26 to smoke detector 30.In yet other cases, smoke detector shield 20 may include a configurationin which interior sleeve 24 is fastened to smoke detector 30. Examplesof alternative configurations of smoke detector shields accommodatingsuch variations are shown in FIGS. 4-6 and described in more detailbelow. In any case, smoke detector 20 may optionally include an o-ringalong the component which is used to secure the shield around a smokedetector, such as but not limited to o-ring 34 shown in exterior sleeve26 in FIGS. 1-3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sidewalls of exterior sleeve 26 arespaced apart from the sidewalls of interior sleeve 24 other than atprotrusions 23 and notches 25. In some cases, one or both of exteriorsleeve 26 and interior sleeve 24 may include one or more concavesections to increase the volume of space between exterior sleeve 26 andinterior sleeve 24, such as shown for exterior sleeve 26 in FIGS. 1-3.In other cases, however, exterior sleeve 26 and interior sleeve 24 maybe void of concave sections. Furthermore, despite the depiction in thedrawings of FIGS. 1-3, exterior sleeve 26, interior sleeve 24 and baseplate 22 need not be circular and need not have the same shape as eachother. In particular, exterior sleeve 26, interior sleeve 24 and baseplate 22 may include any shape. Although the spacing between exteriorsleeve 26 and interior sleeve 24 may vary, depending on the designspecifications for a shield, an example range of spacings may be betweenapproximately 0.5 inches and approximately 3 inches.

In any case, the spacing between exterior sleeve 26 and interior sleeve24 provides a tortuous air path extending from an exterior of smokedetector shield 20 to open ended cavity 28 and vice versa as shown bydotted lines 36 in FIG. 3. More specifically, exterior sleeve 26 may bespaced apart from interior sleeve 24 with its lower edge spaced abovethe lower edge of interior sleeve 24 such that an air inlet is providedat the bottom of smoke detector shield 20 and an air route is providedalong majority lengths of exterior sleeve 26 and interior sleeve 24. Itis noted that base plate 22 need not extend out past interior sleeve 24,much less have an edge in alignment with the exterior edge of exteriorsleeve 26. In any case, as is further shown in FIG. 3, interior sleeve24 is sized to be spaced apart from smoke detector 30 such that the airpath from between exterior sleeve 26 and interior sleeve 24 continuesover an upper edge of interior sleeve into open ended cavity 28.

To further increase the air flow into open ended cavity 28 and viceversa, exterior sleeve 26 may include one or more air slits 38. Ingeneral, air slits 38 may be arranged anywhere along exterior sleeve 26and, thus, their location should not be limited to that depicted inFIGS. 1-3. In yet other cases, air slits 38 may be omitted from exteriorsleeve 26. In some embodiments, interior sleeve 24 may additionally oralternatively include one or more air openings, but yet in other cases,interior sleeve 24 may be absent of air openings. In some cases, smokedetector shield 20 may include one or more fans for drawing air intotortuous air path 36. The fan/s may be arranged at any locations alongtortuous air path 36. In some cases, the fan/s may be light-powered,particularly by light generated in the room in which smoke detectorshield 20 is arranged. For example, exterior sleeve 26 could include oneor more light collecting cells that convert light energy intoelectricity. In other embodiments, however, smoke detector shield 20 maybe void of a fan. In some cases, smoke detector shield 20 may includeone or more baffles, tortuous channels or angled inlets to increase airflow to open ended cavity 28. For example, smoke detector shield 20 isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 including baffle 21 at the bottom of base plate22. Baffle 21 may be arranged at other locations within smoke detectorshield 20, including other locations within base plate 22 below openended cavity 28 or along exterior sleeve 26 or interior sleeve 24. Inany case, baffle 21 may be configured to provide its own tortuous airpath to open ended cavity 28. In other embodiments, however, baffle 21may be omitted from smoke detector shield 20.

In any case, tortuous air path 36 is configured to minimize thetransmission light to open ended cavity 28 from the ambient of smokedetector shield 20, but yet allow air flow therethrough such that smokemay be detected by the smoke detector. In some cases, the interiorsurface of exterior sleeve 26 and/or the exterior surface of interiorsleeve 24 may include one or more materials which absorb infrared light,ultraviolet light and/or visible light to further minimize thetransmission of such light to open ended cavity 28 and to preventexposure of a photoelectric receiver of smoke detector 30 to such light.Examples of such materials may be Spectral Black™ or Spectral Black HP™available from Acktar Ltd. of Kiryat-Gat, Israel, or solar heatingcoating products available from Kriya Materials of The Netherlands. Inyet other embodiments, the interior surface of exterior sleeve 26 and/orthe exterior surface of interior sleeve 24 may not include particularlight absorbing materials. In one example, the exterior sleeve 26 and/orthe interior sleeve 24 may be formed from and/or coated with one or morematerials, which reflect infrared light, ultraviolet light and/orvisible light to further minimize the transmission of such light to openended cavity 28 of the smoke detector shield 20. Examples of suchreflective materials include, but are not limited to, biaxially-orientedpolyethylene terephthalate (aka Mylar™), aluminum foils and otherradiant barrier foils.

Although tortuous air paths 36 are shown in FIG. 3 routed along amajority length of each of the interior sleeve and the exterior sleeve,smoke detector shield 20 is not necessarily so limited. For example, aschematic diagram of alternative smoke detector shield 40 is illustratedin FIG. 4 having an air intake arranged along a mid-section of theshield. In particular, smoke detector shield 40 is shown having baseplate 42 with interior sleeve 44 and exterior sleeve 46 extending uptherefrom. Exterior shield 46 includes one or more air openings to allowair to flow through the gap between interior sleeve 44 and exteriorsleeve 46 without having an air inlet at the bottom of shield 46 as isdescribed for smoke detector shield 20 of FIGS. 1-3. In alternativeembodiments, exterior shield 46 may not extend to base plate 42 and,more particularly, may only extend to the opening shown in FIG. 4 atwhich air is allowed into the gap between interior sleeve 44 andexterior sleeve 46. In such cases, base plate 42 may include an upwardlip along its periphery extending up to the opening shown in FIG. 4 atwhich air is allowed into the gap between interior sleeve 44 andexterior sleeve 46. In such cases, exterior sleeve 46 may not bedirectly coupled to base plate 42, but may be indirectly coupled to itby being coupled to interior sleeve 44 by respective notches andprotrusions (or vice versa) such as described for smoke detector 20described in reference to FIG. 3.

Furthermore, it is noted that smoke detector shields 20 and 40 are notlimited to having interior sleeve 24 and 44 extending up from base plate22 and 42, respectively. For example, schematic diagrams of alternativesmoke detector shields 50 and 60 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 havinginterior sleeves 54 and 64 extending downward from upper plates 53 and63 and spaced above based plates 52 and 62, respectively. In thismanner, tortuous air paths 59 and 69 may be routed under a lower edge ofinterior sleeves 54 and 64 into open ended cavities 58 and 68,respectively, rather than being routed over an upper edge of theirinterior sleeves as is described in reference to smoke detector shield20 in FIGS. 1-3. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the opening in theexterior of the shield providing an air inlet for tortuous path 59 may,in some cases, be an air slit within exterior sleeve 56. In such cases,exterior sleeve 56 extends up to upper plate 53. In other cases,exterior sleeve 56 may be separated from upper plate 53 and, thus, theopening in the exterior of the shield providing an air inlet fortortuous path 59 may be a gap between the two components. In such cases,interior sleeve 54 may be coupled to exterior sleeve 56 by respectivenotches and protrusions (or vice versa) such as described for smokedetector 20 in reference to FIG. 3. Likewise, interior sleeve 64 ofsmoke detector shield 60 in FIG. 6 may be coupled to exterior sleeve 66by respective notches and protrusions (or vice versa). Smoke detectorshields 50 and 60 of FIGS. 5 and 6 further differ from smoke detectorshields 20 and 40 of FIGS. 1-4 in that the upper plates 53 and 63coupled to interior sleeves 54 and 64 are configured for attachment to aceiling (or a wall) and/or to a smoke detector.

As noted above, the smoke detector shields described herein are notlimited to the drawings. As such, it is noted that other smoke detectorshield configurations may be considered that provide similarfunctionalities to those described in reference to FIGS. 1-6. Inparticular, other smoke detector shield configurations may be consideredthat provide an open ended cavity for receiving a smoke detector, atortuous air path extending from an exterior of the smoke detectorshield to the open ended cavity, and one or more fasteners for securingthe smoke detector shield around a smoke detector. In one example, thetortuous air paths shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be omitted from any of smokedetector shields 20, 40, 50 and 60 and replaced with channels, bafflesor angled inlets that provide their own tortuous air paths.

It is noted that the smoke detector shields described herein are notlimited to providing a tortuous air path for routing air and smokeparticles to the smoke inlets of a smoke detector. In other embodimentsdisclosed herein, smoke detector shields may be configured to surroundand enclose an entirety of a smoke detector, which is installed ormounted upon a surface (e.g., a ceiling or a wall of a room), therebyproviding a substantially light tight and/or substantially airtight sealaround the smoke detector. As noted above, such embodiments may beconsidered for temporary use only, since they adversely affect thefunctionality of the smoke detector by substantially preventing air andsmoke particles from entering the smoke inlets of the shielded smokedetector. In other embodiments disclosed herein, smoke detector shieldsmay be configured to surround at least a majority portion of aninstalled smoke detector, while leaving one or more smoke inlets of thesmoke detector uncovered by the shield. In such embodiments, the smokedetector shields may prevent a photoelectric receiver of a smokedetector from receiving and detecting ambient light, while providing anunobstructed air path to the smoke inlets of the smoke detector, thusmaintaining full functionality of the smoke detector during shielding.

Turning to FIGS. 7-9, one example of an alternative smoke detectorshield is depicted as being configured to surround and enclose anentirety of a smoke detector, which is mounted or installed on a ceilingof a room. In particular, FIGS. 7-9 depict smoke detector shield 70specifically configured such that an individual standing on a floor of aroom can install the smoke detector shield around a smoke detectorwithout having to employ a ladder to reach the smoke detector. Inaddition, smoke detector shield 70 is configured to be readily portable.As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, smoke detector shield 70 mayinclude support base 72, shroud 76 and pole 74 coupled between supportbase 72 and shroud 76. Support base 72 is shown as a tripod in FIGS.7-9, but other types of support bases may be considered that aresufficient to support pole 74 and shroud 76 and further facilitate smokedetector shield 70 as a readily portable and freestanding unit. Examplesof other types of support structures that may be considered include, butare not limited to, solid masses in any shape (e.g., cylindrical,circular, conical, etc.). In some embodiments, support base 72 may beweighted to provide added stability. In other embodiments, support base72 may be a collapsible tripod, such as shown for example in FIG. 9.Such a configuration may ease transport of smoke detector shield 70.However, support base 72 need not be collapsible, or even included as acomponent of smoke detector shield 70, in all embodiments. As such, thesupport base shown in FIGS. 7-9 is considered to be an exemplaryconfiguration of an optional component of the smoke detector shield 70.

In some embodiments, support base 72 may be omitted from smoke detectorshield 70. In such embodiments, pole 74 may be configured for supportingsmoke detector shield 70 on a substantially horizontal surface of a room(e.g., a floor of a room, a piece of furniture, such as a table ordresser arranged within a room, a mobile cart wheeled into a room,etc.), while shroud 76 is positioned around a smoke detector. In suchembodiments, pole 74 may include a first end, which is coupled to shroud76, and a second end opposing the first end. When support base 72 isomitted, the second end of pole 74 may comprise a non-slip surface(e.g., one or more rubber feet) or other means for holding the secondend of the pole 74 against the horizontal surface without slipping. Whensupport base 72 (or an alternative support structure) is included, thesecond end of pole 74 may be coupled to the support base and/or to asubstantially horizontal surface present within the room.

In some embodiments, pole 74 may comprise a fixed length, which cannotbe changed, or an adjustable length, which can extend and/or contract.In some embodiments, pole 74 may have a length, or may be configured toextend to a length, of at least approximately 3.0 feet. In otherembodiments, pole 74 may have a length, or may be configured to extendto a length, of at least approximately 5.0 feet. In some embodiments,pole 74 may have a length, or may be configured to extend to a length,such that opposing forces against a ceiling and floor of a room applysufficient tension to hold the pole in place without the need for asupport base 72. In such embodiments, the second end of pole 74 may beprovided with a non-slip surface (e.g., one or more rubber feet) orother means for holding the second end of the pole 74 against asubstantially horizontal surface without slipping.

Although not strictly limited to such, pole 74 may be a telescopingpole, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-9. In suchembodiments, telescoping pole 74 may be configured to contract andlengthen to substantially any dimension, depending on the designspecifications of smoke detector shield 70, the arrangement of aparticular smoke detector within a room (e.g., on a wall or ceiling ofthe room), and/or one or more dimensions of the room. When configured asa telescoping pole, pole 74 may comprise one or more locking mechanisms78 for fixing or locking the pole to a desired length, once the pole hasbeen extended to the desired length for positioning shroud 76 around asmoke detector installed within a room.

In one embodiment, shroud 76, telescoping pole 74 and support base 72(if included) may be sized, such that smoke detector shield 70 is ableto attain a height of at least approximately 4 feet when smoke detectorshield 70 is configured for shielding a smoke detector mounted onto awall of a room. In order to shield a wall mounted smoke detector,telescoping pole 74 may further comprise one or more articulatingjoints, which may enable one or more sections of the pole to articulateor bend in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the pole. In oneembodiment, for example, locking mechanisms 78 may enable telescopingpole 74 to articulate, as well as extend, contract and lock into place.In other embodiments, pole 74 may comprise alternative means forarticulation, and locking mechanisms 78 may only be used to extend,contract and lock the pole into place. If articulating joint(s) areincluded, smoke detector shield 70 may at times be used to shield a wallmounted smoke detector by positioning the support base 72 on asubstantially horizontal surface (e.g., the floor) near the wall mountedsmoke detector, extending the telescoping pole 74 to a desired length,and articulating or bending the articulating joint(s) in a direction,which enables the shroud 76 to be positioned around the wall mountedsmoke detector and pressed against the wall to provide a substantiallylight tight and/or airtight seal around the smoke detector. Once shroud76 is optimally positioned around the smoke detector, one or more of thelocking mechanisms 78 and/or the articulating joint(s) may be locked inplace to hold the shroud in the desired position.

When configured for shielding a smoke detector mounted on a ceiling of aroom, shroud 76, telescoping pole 74 and support base 72 (if included)may be sized such that smoke detector shield 70 is able to attain aheight of at least approximately 7 feet, at least approximately 9 feetand, in some cases, at least approximately 12 feet, depending on theparticular dimensions of the room in which the smoke detector isinstalled. In some cases, telescoping pole 74 may comprise one or morearticulating joints, as discussed above, so that the smoke detectorshield 70 may be alternately used for shielding both wall mounted andceiling mounted smoke detectors. In other cases, telescoping pole 74 maynot include articulating joints, and may only include one or morelocking mechanisms 78 for extending, contracting and locking thetelescoping pole in place. In either case, smoke detector shield 70 maybe used to shield a ceiling mounted smoke detector by positioning thesupport base 72 (or the second end of pole 74) on a substantiallyhorizontal surface (e.g., the floor) below the ceiling mounted smokedetector, and extending the telescoping pole 74 to a desired length,which enables the shroud 76 to be positioned around the ceiling mountedsmoke detector and pressed against the ceiling to provide asubstantially light tight and/or airtight seal around the smokedetector. Once the shroud 76 is optimally positioned around the smokedetector, one or more of the locking mechanisms 78 may be locked inplace to hold the shroud in the desired position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate embodiments in which telescoping pole 74 isretracted and support base 72 is collapsed, respectively. In someembodiments, the telescoping pole 74 may be configured, such that alength of the smoke detector shield 70 may be reduced down to a rangebetween approximately 2 feet and approximately 5 feet. Morespecifically, shroud 76, telescoping pole 74 and support base 72 (ifincluded) may be sized such that a retracted length of smoke detectorshield 70 is between approximately 2 feet and approximately 5 feet.Although not restricted to such, reducing the length of smoke detectorshield 70 down to such a range may, in some cases, enable easiertransport and/or storage of the smoke detector shield 70. As shown inFIG. 9 and discussed in more detail below, providing the smoke detectorshield 70 with a collapsible support base 72 (or omitting the supportbase altogether) and contracting the smoke detector shield 70 to a morecompact length/size may enable the smoke detector shield 70 to be storedwithin a container 75 used for transport and/or storage.

In some embodiments, smoke detector shield 70 may be placed in acontainer for transport and/or storage. One example of such a container75 is shown in FIG. 9, but containers of various other configurationsmay be considered for transporting and/or storing embodiments of thesmoke detector shields described herein. In some embodiments, container75 (or any alternative container configured to hold at least a portionof a smoke detector shield disclosed herein) may be attached to atransport device such as a cart, or any other moveable device used inconjunction with smoke detector shield 70. It is noted that theconfiguration of smoke detector shield 70 depicted in FIGS. 7-9facilitates easy transport and use of the smoke detector shield withouthaving to disassemble it, but the smoke detector shield is notnecessarily so limited. In particular, it is noted that smoke detectorshield 70 may include one or more quick release mechanisms, which enablesmoke detector shield 70 to be easily disassembled for storage and/ortransport, and further enable the smoke detector shield 70 to beassembled relatively easily and quickly for shielding a smoke detector.Other embodiments of smoke detector shields described herein may also beplaced in container 75 for storage and/or transport.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, shroud 76 is coupled to an upper end (i.e., thefirst end) of telescoping pole 74. In some cases, shroud 76 may includean outer shell 77 comprising a substantially rigid material and a liner79 extending above the upper surface of the substantially rigid outershell 77. Examples of substantially rigid materials that may be used toform the outer shell 77 include, but are not limited to, a modifiedpolyphenyene ether/olefin resin blend (e.g., a Noryl™ resin),poly(methyl methacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™), polycarbonate, wood, andvarious metals or metalized materials (e.g., gold, aluminum, etc.). Byproviding shroud 76 with a substantially rigid outer shell 77, theshroud may be positioned around a smoke detector with enough force topress the substantially pliant liner 79 against a surface upon which thesmoke detector is mounted, thereby providing an airtight and/orlight-tight seal against the mounting surface without collapsing theshroud or substantially deforming its intended shape.

As used herein, a substantially rigid material may be one which resistssignificant deformation when subjected to an amount of force that isachievable by applied human strength. An amount of force achievable byapplied human strength, as used herein, generally refers to an amount offorce which can be applied by one or more hands directly handling andpushing on an object, or the amount of force which can be applied bymanual manipulation of a component coupled to an object (e.g., thepressure applied by a human manipulating a pole attached to asubstantially rigid smoke detector shield, such as described inreference to FIGS. 7-9). The resistance of significant deformation for asubstantially rigid material may generally refer to maintainingsubstantially the same size and shape of the substantially rigidmaterial, particularly for its intended use. For instance, asubstantially rigid material of a smoke detector shield may generallymaintain its size and shape upon applied force such that the shieldsufficiently surrounds an intended portion of a smoke detector.

In contrast, a substantially pliant material, as used herein, is amaterial which substantially changes is size or shape when subjected toan amount of force that is achievable by applied human strength. It isnoted the aforementioned definitions of substantially rigid andsubstantially pliant materials do not restrict the smoke detectorshields described herein to manual installation, nor do they imply thatsubstantially pliant materials of a smoke detector need be deformed uponinstallation around a smoke detector. Furthermore, the aforementioneddefinitions of substantially rigid and substantially pliant materials donot restrict the pressure in which the smoke detector shields describedherein may be installed. Rather, the reference of deformation inreference to applied human strength is merely used to distinguish theterms. It is contemplated that the smoke detectors described herein maybe installed by mechanical devices and/or automated devices, either ofwhich may apply any suitable pressure for the installation includingpressures greater than what may be attainable by human strength.

In some embodiments, the liner 79 may comprise a substantially pliantmaterial that allows deformation, so that liner 79 conforms to themounting surface upon which the smoke detector is installed. Asubstantially pliant liner 79 may be advantageous in providing anairtight and/or light tight seal against the mounting surface (e.g., aceiling or wall), and/or in preventing marring of the mounting surfacewhen shroud 76 is positioned for covering a smoke detector. Acompressible foam is one example of a substantially pliant material thatmay be used to form the substantially pliant liner 79. Other type ofsubstantially pliant materials may also be considered for the liner and,thus, the liner should not be restricted to being foam. In any case,shroud 76 may, in some embodiments, be configured to provide an airtightand/or light-tight seal around a smoke detector. In other cases, shroud76 may comprise air vents and a tortuous air path extending from the airvents to an interior cavity of the shroud, such as discussed above forthe smoke detector shields described in reference to FIGS. 1-6.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate shroud 76 as being substantially cone-shaped, butany other shape may be considered for the shroud, so long as itsurrounds and encloses a majority portion of a smoke detector. As oneexample, FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a smokedetector shield 80 comprising a shroud 86, a pole 84 and an optionalsupport base 82. Pole 84 and support base 82 may be configured similarto that shown and described above in reference to smoke detector shield70 of FIGS. 7-9.

For example, pole 84 may be a fixed length pole or a telescoping polethat comprises a length, or is configured to extend to a length, whichis sufficient to position shroud 86 around a smoke detector mounted ontoa wall or ceiling of a room. Exemplary lengths attainable by pole 84and/or smoke detector shield 80 are discussed above in reference toFIGS. 7-9. If pole 84 is a telescoping pole, one or more lockingmechanisms 88 may be provided to enable the pole to extend, contract andlock into place. In some embodiments, pole 84 may include one or morearticulating joints, as discussed above. In some embodiments, supportbase 82 may be a tripod, a collapsible tripod or another supportstructure, as further discussed above. Alternatively, support base 82may be omitted from smoke detector shield 80, and a second end of pole84 may be configured for supporting smoke detector shield 80 on asubstantially horizontal surface. Similar to the previously describedembodiment, shroud 86 may comprise a substantially rigid outer shell 87,and a substantially pliant liner 89 extending above the upper surface ofthe substantially rigid outer shell 87. Material choices for thesubstantially rigid outer shell 87 and substantially pliant liner 89 maybe similar to those discussed above for outer shell 77 and liner 79.

One difference between the smoke detector shield 70 shown in FIGS. 7-9and the smoke detector shield 80 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is the shapeof the respective shrouds 76 and 86. Unlike the substantiallycone-shaped shroud 76 shown in FIGS. 7-9, the outer shell 87 of shroud86 comprises a more annular or cylindrical shape. In some cases, thecylindrical shape of the outer shell 87 may enable the smoke detectorshield 80 to encapsulate smoke detectors of different shapes and sizesbetter than the cone shaped shroud 76 shown in FIGS. 7-9. In othercases, the cylindrical shape of the outer shell 87 may enable a heightof shroud 86 to be reduced, as compared to the cone shaped shroud 76shown in FIGS. 7-9.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, a lower portion 85 of shroud 86 comprises aconnector 83, which may be configured for attachment to the pole 84. Insome embodiments, lower portion 85 may be formed from the same materialused to form the substantially rigid outer shell 87, or from asubstantially different material having the same or differentproperties. Although lower portion 85 is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B ashaving a substantially funnel-shaped longitudinal cross-section, lowerportion 85 is not necessarily limited to such, and may be alternativelyconfigured in other embodiments. In one alternative embodiment, forexample, lower portion 85 may be a substantially planar surface.

In some cases, one or more embodiments of the smoke detector shieldsconsidered herein may comprise at least one quick release device fordetaching the pole from the shroud. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.10A-10B, for example, a quick release device may be incorporated within,or may be coupled to, connector 83 for attaching and detaching the pole84 from the shroud 86. In some cases, a quick release device located ator near the connector 83 may be used to detach the pole 84 from theshroud 86 after the smoke detector shield 80 has been installed andretained on a smoke detector. In other cases, a quick release devicelocated at or near the connector 83 may be used to detach the pole 84from the shroud 86 for transport and/or storage purposes.

In some embodiments, one or more additional quick release devices may beprovided along a length of pole 84 to further aid in the disassembly ofthe pole into two or more sections, thereby further aiding in thetransport and/or storage of the smoke detector shield 80. In oneexemplary embodiment, locking mechanisms 88 may comprise or may functionas quick release devices for assembling and disassembling the pole 84into sections. Various configurations of quick release mechanisms mayalso be provided for other embodiments of the smoke detector shieldsdescribed herein.

The quick release devices described herein may include any quick releasedevice known in the art, such as but not limited to a quick-releasespring, a quick-release clamp or male/female threaded connectors. Insome embodiments, a mechanism for activating the quick release devicemay be arranged along and/or within the pole, particularly along orwithin approximately 2 feet to approximately 5 feet of the second end ofthe pole (i.e., the end opposing the shroud) such that an individualinstalling the smoke detector shield may have easy access to themechanism. For example, if the quick release device located at or nearthe connector 83 were a quick-release spring or clamp, it may bedesirable to provide a mechanism, which is arranged along the polewithin reach of the individual installing the smoke detector shield,when the smoke detector shield is installed onto a ceiling mounted smokedetector. Such a mechanism may be provided, so that the individual caneasily activate the quick release device without the assistance of aladder. However, a mechanism for activating a quick release device maynot strictly be required. If, for example, connector 83 and the firstend of the pole 84 were to respectively comprise female and malethreaded connectors (or vise versa), an individual installing smokedetector shield 80 may detach pole 84 from the connector 83 by simplygripping the pole at any desirable height and rotating the pole in aclockwise or counter clockwise direction until the male connectordisengaged from the female connector.

In the embodiments in which it is desirable to detach the pole from theshroud, the shroud may include one or more fasteners for coupling theshroud to a smoke detector and/or to a surface to which the smokedetector is attached (e.g. a ceiling or wall of a room). The fastener/smay generally be manipulated by an individual installing the smokedetector. In one example, the shrouds 76 and/or 86 of smoke detectorshields 70 and 80 may be configured to suction to a smoke detectorand/or to an adjacent surface. In addition or alternatively, shrouds 76and/or 86 may include a clamp, a collar or an elastic band, which isconfigured to clasp around a smoke detector. In contrast to theconfiguration of the smoke detector shield described above in referenceto FIGS. 7-10 in which the shroud is secured around smoke detector bytension in the pole, the shroud for the embodiment in which the poleused to install the shroud is removed by a quick release device may, insome cases, include one or more fasteners for coupling the shroud to thesmoke detector and/or to the mounting surface.

Two different configurations of smoke detector shields have beendisclosed thus far. In FIGS. 1-6, for example, a first configuration ofa smoke detector shield 20, 40, 50, and 60 is provided with an openended cavity for receiving a smoke detector, a tortuous air pathextending from an exterior of the smoke detector shield to the openended cavity, and one or more fasteners for securing the smoke detectorshield around a smoke detector. In this configuration, the base,interior sleeve and/or exterior sleeve of the shield are preferablyconfigured to block the transmission of infrared light, ultravioletlight and/or higher intensity visible light through the shield. In thismanner, smoke detector shields 20, 40, 50, and 60 may be configured tomitigate false tripping of spot type photoelectric smoke detectors bypreventing light from reaching the photoelectric receiver disposedtherein. In this first configuration, the functionality of a particularsmoke detector (such as the smoke detector shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) isreasonably maintained during shielding by providing a tortuous air pathwithin the smoke detector shields 20, 40, 50, and 60 for routing air andsmoke particles to the smoke inlets of the smoke detector enclosedtherein. As such, smoke detector shields 20, 40, 50, and 60 may be usedto protect a particular smoke detector (such as the smoke detector shownin FIGS. 12 and 13) in a somewhat permanent installation. However, thisconfiguration may not be universally adaptable to all of the manydifferent types and configurations of commercially available smokedetectors.

A second configuration of a smoke detector shield 70, 80 is shown inFIGS. 7-10 and described above. In this configuration, a shroud 76, 86is provided to surround and enclose an entirety of a smoke detector,which is installed or mounted upon a surface (e.g., a ceiling or a wallof a room), thereby providing a substantially light tight and/orairtight seal around the smoke detector. By forming the shroud 76, 86from a material, which blocks the transmission of infrared light,ultraviolet light and/or higher intensity visible light, smoke detectorshields 70 and 80 may be used to mitigate false tripping of spot typephotoelectric smoke detectors by preventing light from reaching thephotoelectric receiver disposed therein. Since the smoke detector iscompletely enclosed within the shroud 76, 86, the smoke detector shields70 and 80 described in the second configuration may be universallyapplied to many different types and configurations of commerciallyavailable smoke detectors. However, the functionality of the smokedetector is hampered by the smoke detector shields 70 and 80. As such,this type of smoke detector shield may only be used for temporary use.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate a third configuration of a smoke detectorshield 90, which may be used to mitigate false tripping of spot typephotoelectric smoke detectors, while maintaining full functionality of awide variety of smoke detectors that may be disposed therein. In thethird configuration, smoke detector shield 90 is configured to surroundat least a majority portion of an installed smoke detector, whileleaving one or more smoke inlets of the smoke detector uncovered by theshield. In this manner, smoke detector shield 90 may prevent aphotoelectric receiver of a spot type photoelectric smoke detector fromreceiving ambient light, while providing an unobstructed air path to oneor more smoke inlets of the smoke detector, thus maintaining fullfunctionality of the smoke detector during shielding.

Like the previous embodiments of smoke detector shields shown in FIGS.7-10, smoke detector shield 90 may generally include a shroud 96, a pole94 and an optional support base 92. Pole 94 and support base 92 may beconfigured similar to that shown and described above in reference tosmoke detector shields 70 and 80 of FIGS. 7-10. For example, pole 94 maybe a fixed length pole or a telescoping pole having a length, or may beconfigured to extend to a length, which is sufficient to position shroud96 around a smoke detector mounted onto a wall or ceiling of a room.Exemplary lengths attainable by pole 94 and/or smoke detector shield 90are discussed above in reference to FIGS. 7-9. If pole 94 is atelescoping pole, one or more locking mechanisms 98 may be provided toenable the pole to extend, contract and lock into place. In someembodiments, pole 94 may further include one or more articulating jointsand/or one or more quick release devices, as discussed above. In someembodiments, support base 92 may be a tripod, a collapsible tripod oranother support structure, as further discussed above. Alternatively,support base 92 may be omitted from the smoke detector shield, and asecond end of pole 94 may be configured for supporting smoke detectorshield 90 on a substantially horizontal surface.

In general, shroud 96 differs from the shrouds and sleeves shown in theprevious embodiments by surrounding and covering a majority portion ofan installed smoke detector, while leaving one or more smoke inlets ofthe smoke detector (such as smoke inlets 210 of smoke detector 200 ofFIGS. 12 and 13) uncovered by the shroud. In some embodiments, a“majority portion” may include at least the base housing 208 of a smokedetector, as shown in the example smoke detector 200 embodiment of FIG.12. In some embodiments, the “majority portion” may additionally includea portion of the smoke detector housing 206 protruding from the basehousing 208 and extending up to the one or more smoke inlets 210. Ineither embodiment, the “majority portion” preferably encompasses aphotoelectric receiver 228 of the smoke detector 200, especially whenthe photoelectric receiver is disposed outside of the light-blockingmaterial of the interior chamber 220, as shown in FIG. 13. In someembodiments, the shroud 96 may be configured to expose substantially allof the smoke inlets 210 of the smoke detector 200. In other embodiments,a smaller portion of the smoke inlets 210 may be covered by the shroud96, while a larger portion of the smoke inlets 210 remain exposed toenable air and smoke particles to enter the exposed smoke inlets.Although shroud 96 is illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B as being configuredfor surrounding and covering a particular configuration of smokedetector (such as the smoke detector 200 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13),shroud 96 is not so limited. In general, shroud 96 may be dimensionallyconfigured to surround and cover a majority portion of anytype/configuration of smoke detector, while leaving one or more smokeinlets of the smoke detector uncovered by the shroud.

In one embodiment, shroud 96 may be described as having a first end 100,a second end 104 opposing the first end 100, one or more sidewalls 102extending between the first and second ends, and a seal 106. The firstend 100 of the shroud may be described as having an opening, which isdimensionally configured to receive a smoke detector mounted onto asurface (such as a ceiling or wall of a room). Likewise, the second end104 of the shroud may be described as having an opening, which isdimensionally configured to expose one or more smoke inlets of thereceived smoke detector. The one or more sidewalls 102 extending betweenthe first and second ends 100/104 may be described as collectivelyconfigured to surround a majority portion of the received smoke detectorwithout covering the smoke inlets exposed by the opening in the secondend 104. In some embodiments, a seal 106 may be disposed at least alonga peripheral edge of the opening in the second end 104 of the shroud 96.As described in more detail below, the seal 106 may be dimensionallyconfigured to conform to an exterior surface of the received smokedetector, so as to provide a light tight and/or airtight seal at theexterior surface of the received smoke detector.

As noted above, shroud 96 is not limited to any particulartype/configuration of smoke detector, and in some cases, may be used toprotect many different shapes, sizes and configurations of smokedetectors. In some embodiments, the opening in the first end 100 of theshroud 96 may range between about 4 inches and about 12 inches indiameter. In one particular example, the opening in the first end 100may be about 6 inches in diameter to accommodate smoke detectorstypically used in residential, commercial and/or healthcare settings. Itis noted, however, that such a diameter is merely exemplary and may besubstantially smaller or larger to accommodate different sizes of smokedetectors.

In some embodiments, the opening in the second end 104 of the shroud 96may range between about 2 inches and about 10 inches in diameter. In oneparticular example, the opening in the second end 104 may be about 4inches in diameter to accommodate smoke detectors typically used inresidential, commercial and/or healthcare settings. It is noted,however, that such a diameter is merely exemplary and may besubstantially smaller or larger to accommodate different sizes of smokedetectors and/or to accommodate different configurations or arrangementsof smoke inlets on such smoke detectors. It is further noted that thedepiction in the figures of the size, shape and/or location of theopening in the second end 104 of the shroud 96 is also exemplary.Although the opening in the second end 104 is depicted in the figures asa relatively large circular opening, which is centered within the secondend 104, it is not limited to such, and may be alternatively shaped,sized and/or arranged to coincide with a particular configuration and/orarrangement of smoke inlets on other types of smoke detectors.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, shroud 96 comprisesonly one sidewall 102, which is substantially annular or cylindrical inshape. It is noted, however, that the one or more sidewall(s) 102 of theshroud are not limited to any particular number or shape, and maycomprise substantially any shape, which is similar or dissimilar to theshape of the received smoke detector. In one particular example, shroud96 may comprise four sidewalls 102 forming a rectangular prism.Alternative numbers of sidewalls forming alternative shapes may also beconsidered. In some embodiments, a height of the sidewall(s) 102 mayrange between about 1 inch and about 6 inches. In one particularexample, the height of the sidewall(s) 102 may be about 3 inches toaccommodate smoke detectors typically used in residential, commercialand/or healthcare settings. It is noted, however, that such a height ismerely exemplary and may be substantially smaller or larger toaccommodate different sizes of smoke detectors.

In some embodiments, the first end 102, second end 104 and sidewall(s)102 of the shroud 96 may be formed together as a single component. Forexample, a molding process may be used to form the component comprisingthe first end 100, the second end 104 and the one or more sidewalls 102.In such an embodiment, the first end 100, the second end 104 and the oneor more sidewalls 102 may be formed from the same material, and in somecases, from a material that becomes substantially rigid once formationis complete. As noted above, a substantially rigid material may enablethe shroud 96 to resist deformation when the smoke detector shield 90 isinstalled onto a smoke detector, especially when using the poleinstalled method depicted in FIG. 11A. Examples of substantially rigidmaterials include, but are not limited to, a modified polyphenyeneether/olefin resin blend (e.g., a Noryl™ resin), poly(methylmethacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™), polycarbonate, wood, and various metalsor metalized materials (e.g., gold, aluminum, etc.). However, othersubstantially rigid materials may be used to form the shroud 96.

In other embodiments, two or more separately formed components may becoupled together to form the shroud 96. As shown in the exemplaryassembly diagram of FIG. 11C, for example, shroud 96 may be formed bycoupling a first end 100 comprising sidewalls 102 a to a second end 104comprising sidewalls 102 b. The first and second ends 100/104 may becoupled together by substantially any means, including but not limitedto adhesives, threading on the interior/exterior surfaces of sidewalls102 a/102 b, and mechanical fasteners (such as, e.g., screws, clips,clamps, etc.) to name a few.

In some embodiments, the first and second ends 100/104 of the shroud 96may comprise the same material, and in some cases, may comprise asubstantially rigid material. As noted above, a substantially materialmay enable the shroud 96 to resist deformation when the smoke detectorshield 90 is installed onto a smoke detector, especially when using thepole installed method depicted in FIG. 11A. Examples of substantiallyrigid materials are discussed above, but others may be used to form theshroud 96.

In other embodiments, the first and second ends 100/104 of the shroud 96may comprise substantially different materials. In one such embodiment,the second end 104 of the shroud 96 may comprise a substantially rigidmaterial, while first end 100 of the shroud 96 comprises a substantiallypliant material. Examples of substantially pliant materials include, butare not limited to, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (aka,Mylar™), polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE) (aka, Teflon™), and silicone.

As noted above, a substantially rigid material may resist deformationwhen the smoke detector shield 90 is installed onto a smoke detector,especially when using the pole installed method depicted in FIG. 11A. Onthe other hand, a substantially pliant material may conform to the smokedetector and/or to the surface upon which the smoke detector isinstalled to create a light tight and/or air tight seal around the smokedetector. For this reason, the first end 100 of the shroud 96 preferablycomprises a substantially pliant material and the second end 104 of theshroud 96 preferably comprise a substantially rigid material, in atleast some embodiments. In some cases, materials listed above as pliantmay be rigid (and vice versa), depending on blend, composition,thickness, etc. In some cases, a substantially pliant material may beinfused or coated on a substantially rigid base to render thecombination substantially rigid. While examples of substantially rigidand substantially pliant materials are discussed above, others may beused to form the shroud 96.

Regardless of the rigidity of the material(s) used to form the shroud96, the shroud preferably comprises one or more materials, which areconfigured to block the transmission of infrared light, and/orultraviolet light, and/or higher intensity visible light. Examples ofmaterials configured to block infrared light include, but are notlimited to, a modified polyphenyene ether/olefin resin blend (e.g., aNoryl™ resin), poly(methyl methacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™) having athickness greater than about 0.118 inch, biaxially-oriented polyethyleneterephthalate (aka, Mylar™), and various metals or metalized materials(e.g., gold, aluminum, etc.). Examples of materials configured to blockultraviolet light include, but are not limited to, poly(methylmethacrylate) (aka, Plexiglas™), polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE) (aka,Teflon™), biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (aka, Mylar™),polycarbonate, wood, silicone, and various metals or metalizedmaterials. As noted above, providing the shroud 96 with a material thatblocks transmission of such light may mitigate false tripping of smokealarms by preventing a photoelectric receiver disposed within a shieldedsmoke detector from receiving such light from the ambient.

In some embodiments, seal 106 may be disposed along the peripheral edgeof the opening in the second end 104 to further reduce false tripping ofsmoke alarms by conforming to an exterior surface of the received smokedetector and providing a light tight seal. In some cases, seal 106 maybe a gasket. In other cases, seal 106 may be an elastic material, suchas neoprene rubber or another material with even greater elasticity. Insome cases, a size, shape and/or elasticity of seal 106 may enable theseal to conform to a variety of different smoke detectors havingdifferent shapes and/or sizes. In some cases, seal 106 may be coupled toan interior surface of the second end 104 by a retaining ring 107 andscrews 105, as shown in the exemplary assembly diagram of FIG. 11C. Inother cases, seal 106 may be coupled to an interior surface of thesecond end 104 by other means including, but not limited to, anadhesive. In some cases, seal 106 may extend radially from the interiorsurface of the second end 104 into the opening in the second end,thereby reducing the diameter of such opening. Regardless of theparticular configuration of the seal, seal 106 may preferably comprise amaterial, which is configured to block the transmission of infraredlight, and/or ultraviolet light, and/or higher intensity visible light.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, some embodiments of smoke detector shield 90may comprise two or more suspension members 108 that are coupled to andextend below the shroud, and a component 110 that is coupled to thesuspension members 108, such that a gap exists between the shroud andthe component. In one embodiment, screws 109 may be used to couple thesuspension members 108 to the second end 104 of the shroud and tocomponent 110, as shown in FIG. 11C. Alternative means for attachmentmay also be used.

As shown in FIGS. 11B-11C, a lower surface of component 110 may includea connector 112, which is configured for coupling to a pole, such as thepole 94 shown in FIG. 11A and discussed above. In one embodiment, poleconnector 112 may be attached to the lower surface of component 110 viaa screw 111 inserted through component 110, as shown in FIG. 11C.Alternative means for attaching pole connector 112 to component 110 mayalso be used. As described herein, the suspension members 108, component110 and pole connector 112 may be included within smoke detector shield90 for the purpose of positioning shroud 96 around a smoke detector.

Although two suspension members 108 are depicted in FIGS. 11B-11C, it isnoted that substantially any number of suspension members may be coupledbetween shroud 96 and component 110 as needed to provide a stablesurface for installing the smoke detector shield 90 using the poleinstallation method shown in FIG. 11A. If other installation methods areused, suspension members 108, component 110 and pole connector 112 maynot be necessary, and therefore, may be omitted from some embodiments ofthe smoke detector shield 90. If suspension members 108, component 110and pole connector 112 are omitted, the shroud 96 of smoke detectorshield 90 may be coupled to the smoke detector and/or to the surface onwhich the smoke detector is mounted by substantially any meansincluding, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., springs,clips, clamps, screws, etc.), the elastic seal 106 arranged within theopening in the second end 104 of the shroud, and/or another elasticmaterial arranged within the opening in the first end 100 of the shroud.Other means for coupling shroud 96 to the smoke detector and/or to themounting surface may also be used.

If suspension members 108, component 110 and pole connector 112 areincluded within smoke detector shield 90, a height of the suspensionmembers 108 may generally be chosen to ensure that a sufficient gapexists between an upper surface of the component 110 and a lower surfaceof the second end 104 of the shroud 96. In some embodiments, a height ofthe suspension members may range between about 1 inch and about 4 inchesto accommodate smoke detectors typically used in residential, commercialand/or healthcare settings. It is noted, however, that such a height ismerely exemplary and may be substantially smaller or larger toaccommodate different sizes of smoke detectors. For some types of smokedetectors, such as smoke detector 200 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the gapmaintained by suspension members 108 may enable a portion of the smokedetector received within the shroud 96 to protrude out through theopening in the second end 104 of the shroud, as shown in FIG. 11B.However, this may not always be the case. For other types of smokedetectors, the gap maintained by the suspension members may simplyprovide sufficient air flow in the vicinity of the exposed smoke inlets.

In FIGS. 11A-11C, suspension members 108 are illustrated as beingcoupled between an upper surface of component 110 and a lower surface ofthe second end 104 of the shroud, but are not strictly limited to suchcouplings. In one alternative embodiment, suspension members 108 may becoupled between an upper surface of component 110 and the one or moresidewall(s) 102 of the shroud 96. In such an embodiment, suspensionmembers 108 may be bent or angled to facilitate connection of thesuspension members to sidewall(s) 102, but are not required to do so.

In FIGS. 11A-11C, component 110 is illustrated as a substantiallycircular plate having a diameter, which is slightly larger than adiameter of the shroud 96. It is noted, however, that component 110 isnot strictly limited to any particular shape or size, and may compriseany other shape and/or size that provides a stable surface for bothcoupling suspension members 108 to the shroud 96 and for coupling a poleto connector 112. In some embodiments, component 110 may comprise thesame material(s) used to form the shroud, and in some cases, maycomprise a material configured to block the transmission of infraredlight, and/or ultraviolet light, and/or higher intensity visible light.Examples of materials configured to block such light are discussedabove. However, since the primary intent of the component 110 is toprovide a stable surface, component 110 may comprise other materialsthat may not be configured to block the transmission of light.

As shown in FIGS. 11B-11C, connector 112 may be configured for couplingto a pole, such as the pole 94 shown in FIG. 11A as discussed above. Insome embodiments, a quick release device may be incorporated within, ormay be coupled to, connector 112 for attaching and detaching the pole 94from the smoke detector shield 90. In some cases, a quick release devicelocated at or near the connector 112 may be used to detach the pole 94from the smoke detector shield 90 after it has been installed andretained on a smoke detector. In other cases, a quick release devicelocated at or near the connector 112 may be used to detach the pole 94from the smoke detector shield 90 for transport and/or storage purposes.As noted above, examples of quick release devices include, but are notlimited to, a quick-release spring, a quick-release clamp andmale/female threaded connectors.

In addition to embodiments of smoke detector shields, a method isprovided herein for shielding a smoke detector. According to oneembodiment, such a method may include shielding at least a portion of asmoke detector, which is operationally arranged within a room, andactivating a light emission device within the room while shielding theat least portion of the smoke detector. As used herein, “operationallyarranged” means the smoke detector is arranged within the room andconnected to a power source (such as a battery or mains power) fordetecting the presence of smoke. When activated, the light emissiondevice may be configured to generate infrared light, ultraviolet lightand/or visible light, and/or generate infrared light, ultraviolet light,and/or visible light to cause a significant differential in any one ormore of those ranges of light in a room.

The step of shielding the smoke detector may include installing any oneof the smoke detector shields described herein around a smoke detector.In some embodiments, the smoke detector may be a photoelectric smokedetector, more preferably, a spot type photoelectric receiver, and evenmore preferably, a spot type photoelectric receiver having aphotoelectric receiver arranged outside of the light-blocking materialsurrounding the interior chamber (e.g., interior chamber 220 of FIG.13). However, the smoke detector is not limited to such, and maycomprise other types of smoke detectors in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the step of shielding a smoke detector may includepositioning a smoke detector shield around at least portion of the smokedetector. As noted above, any one of the smoke detector shieldsdescribed herein may be positioned around a smoke detector in theshielding step. In some embodiments, a pole coupled to the smokedetector shield may be used to position the smoke detector shield aroundthe at least a portion of the smoke detector. In some embodiments, thepole may be detached from the smoke detector shield subsequent topositioning the smoke detector shield around the at least a portion ofthe smoke detector, and prior to activating the light emission device.In other embodiments, the pole may remain attached to the smoke detectorshield during activation of the light emission device. It is noted,however, that a pole installation method is merely exemplary and notstrictly necessary.

If a pole is used to install the smoke detector shield onto a smokedetector, the pole may be a fixed length pole or a telescoping polehaving a first end configured for attachment to the smoke detectorshield, and a second end opposing the first end. If the pole is atelescoping pole, the step of positioning the smoke detector shieldaround the at least a portion of the smoke detector may includepositioning the second end of the telescoping pole, or a support basecoupled to the second end of the telescoping pole, on a substantiallyhorizontal surface located near the smoke detector, and extending thetelescoping pole to a height, which positions a shroud of the smokedetector shield around the at least a portion of the smoke detector andpresses one end of the shroud tightly against a surface upon which thesmoke detector is mounted.

In some cases, the step of activating the light emission device mayinclude remotely activating the light emission device from outside ofthe room. In some cases, the method may further include evacuating theroom subsequent to positioning the smoke detector shield around thesmoke detector and prior to activating the light emission device. Insome cases, the method may further include deactivating the lightemission device and subsequently unshielding the smoke detector. In oneexample, the method may unshield the smoke detector after operation ofthe light emission device has ceased and, in some embodiments, within 30minutes of the light emission device ceasing operation. In other cases,the smoke detector may not be unshielded after the light emission devicehas been deactivated.

Examples of light emission devices that may be activated within the roomwhile the smoke detector is shielded may include, but are not limitedto, germicidal light disinfection systems, operating room lightfixtures, phototherapy systems, UV light curing systems and remotecontrols for electronic devices. These types of light emission devicesmay generate ultraviolet light, infrared light and/or visible light atwavelengths and/or intensities that may penetrate the housing of anunshielded smoke detector arranged within the room. If the unshieldedsmoke detector is a spot type photoelectric smoke detector, aphotoelectric receiver disposed within the smoke detector housing mayreceive such light and produce photocurrents sufficient to generate afalse alarm. Shielding at least a portion of a smoke detector with oneof the smoke detector shields described herein may prevent thephotoelectric receiver of a shielded smoke detector from receivingultraviolet light, infrared light and/or visible light from such lightemission devices, thereby mitigating the occurrence of false alarms.

It is noted that photoelectric smoke detectors are not typicallytriggered by sunlight, or by ambient light generated within a room forlighting purposes (e.g., overhead lights or lamps) or forelectronic/communication control purposes (e.g., remote controldevices). As such, it is generally not necessary to shield a smokedetector from all light emission devices and light sources that may befound within a room. In order to exclude light emission devices commonlyfound within a room, such as overhead lights, lamps and remote controldevices (such as a TV remote), the method described herein may only beused to shield a smoke detector while activating a light emissiondevice, which is arranged within the same room as the smoke detector,when the light emission device is configured for generating infraredlight at a radiant intensity greater than approximately 1Watts/steradian (W/sr), and/or ultraviolet light at a radiant intensitygreater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/or visible light at a luminousflux greater than approximately 3000 lumens.

Light emission devices commonly found within a room, such as overheadlights, lamps and remote control devices, are typically not capable ofgenerating light at such radiant intensity or lumen values, andtherefore, are not considered “light emission devices,” as used herein.As one example, a 150 W incandescent or halogen light bulb, a 40 W CFLlight bulb and a 24 W LED light bulb may generate approximately 2600lumens of visible light, while lower wattage counterparts producesignificantly less lumens. As another example, a typical infrared (IR)emitter (e.g., an IR LED) included within a remote control device maygenerate approximately 10 milliWatts/steradian (mW/sr) to approximately300 mW/sr. These light emission devices, and other light emissiondevices typically found within a room typically do not produce infraredlight, ultraviolet light and/or visible light at an intensity and/orwavelength sufficient to penetrate the housing of an unshielded smokedetector and/or generate sufficient photocurrent within a photoelectricreceiver disposed therein to result in a false alarm.

On the other hand, other light emission devices including, but notlimited to, germicidal disinfection systems, operating room lightfixtures, phototherapy systems and UV light curing systems may generateinfrared light, ultraviolet light and/or visible light at an intensityand/or wavelength sufficient to penetrate the housing of an unshieldedsmoke detector to produce false alarms. These light emission devices maybe configured for generating infrared light at a radiant intensity muchgreater than 1 W/sr, and/or ultraviolet light at a radiant intensitymuch greater than approximately 1 W/sr, and/or visible light at aluminous flux much greater than approximately 3000 lumens. Although notlimited to such, the smoke detector shields described herein may beparticularly useful for shielding smoke detectors from light generatedfrom such light emission devices.

In one particular example, the smoke detector shields described hereinmay be used for shielding smoke detectors from light generated bygermicidal light disinfection systems. As described in more detailbelow, many different light sources may be used for disinfectionpurposes. In one example, a light source used for germicidaldisinfection may be configured for generating infrared light at aradiant intensity of greater than about 50 W/sr or more, and/orultraviolet light at a radiant intensity greater than about 10 W/sr ormore, and/or visible light at a luminous flux of about 30,000 lumens ormore. Other light sources used for germicidal disinfection may generatesubstantially more or less infrared light, ultraviolet light and/orvisible light.

The term “germicidal light” refers to light which is capable ofdeactivating or killing microorganisms, particularly disease carryingand/or disease producing microorganisms (a.k.a., germs). The term“germicide” as used herein refers to an agent for deactivating orkilling microorganisms, particularly disease carrying and/or diseaseproducing microorganisms (a.k.a., germs). The term “kill,” as usedherein, means to cause the death of an organism. The term “deactivate,”as used herein, means to render an organism unable to reproduce withoutkilling. As such, a germicide which is configured to deactivate amicroorganism refers to an agent which renders a microorganism unable toreproduce but leaves the organism alive. Ranges of light which are knownto be germicidal include ultraviolet light between approximately 200 nmand approximately 320 nm, particularly 205 nm, 230 nm and between 260 nmand 265 nm, and visible violet-blue light (also known as high-intensitynarrow-spectrum (HINS) light) between approximately 400 nm andapproximately 470 nm, particularly 405 nm. As such, germicidal lightconsidered for the germicidal light disinfection systems describedherein may include ultraviolet light and/or high-intensitynarrow-spectrum (HINS) light. As used herein, UVA light is ultravioletelectromagnetic radiation subtype A with a wavelength between 320 nm to400 nm, UVB light is ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype Bwith a wavelength between 280 nm to 320 nm, and UVC light is ultravioletelectromagnetic radiation subtype C (UVC) with a wavelength between 200nm to 280 nm.

In some cases, the germicidal light sources considered for the lightemission devices described herein may be polychromatic in that theygenerate light of more than one wavelength. In some embodiments, agermicidal light source may generate ranges of light which are notgermicidal such as but not limited to infrared light or visible lightgreater than approximately 500 nm, but such capability will not deterfrom the reference of the light sources being germicidal. Furthermore, alight source or lamp may, in some cases, be characterized in the type oflight it generates, but such characterization need not limit the lightsource or lamp to generating only that type of light. For example, anultraviolet lamp is one which generates ultraviolet light but it mayproduce light of other wavelengths. The terms “germicidal light source”and “germicidal lamp” are used interchangeably herein and refer to acollection of one or more components used to generate and dispersegermicidal light.

Examples of germicidal light sources which may be configured to generateultraviolet light and/or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) lightinclude discharge lamps, light emitting diode (LED) solid state devices,and excimer lasers. HINS lamps are generally constructed of LEDs. Adischarge lamp as used herein refers to a lamp that generates light bymeans of an internal electrical discharge between electrodes in a gas.The term encompasses gas-discharge lamps, which generate light bysending an electrical discharge through an ionized gas (i.e., a plasma).The term also encompasses surface-discharge lamps, which generate lightby sending an electrical discharge along a surface of a dielectricsubstrate in the presence of a gas, producing a plasma along thesubstrate's surface. As such, the germicidal lamps which may beconsidered for the germicidal light disinfection systems describedherein include gas-discharge lamps as well as surface-discharge lamps.

Discharge lamps may be characterized by the type of gas/es employed andthe pressure at which they are operated. The discharge lamps which maybe considered for the germicidal light disinfection systems describedherein include those of low pressure, medium pressure and highintensity. In addition, the gas/es employed may include helium, neon,argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, water vapor, carbondioxide, mercury vapor, sodium vapor and any combination thereof. Inaddition, the germicidal light sources considered for the germicidallight disinfection systems described herein may include those whichgenerate continuous light and/or those which generate light in recurrentshort durations, the latter of which are referred to herein as pulsedlight sources. Discharge lamps which produce recurrent pulses of lightare often referred to as flashtubes or flashlamps.

A commonly used gas-discharge lamp used to produce continuous light is amercury-vapor lamp, which may be considered for some of the methods andsystems described herein. It emits a strong peak of light at 253.7 nm,which is considered particularly applicable for germicidal disinfectionand, thus, is commonly referenced for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation(UVGI). A commonly used flashlamp which may be considered for thegermicidal light disinfection systems described herein is a xenonflashtube. In contrast to a mercury-vapor lamp, a xenon flashtubegenerates a broad spectrum of light from ultraviolet to infrared and,thus, provides ultraviolet light in the entire spectrum known to thegermicidal (i.e., between approximately 200 nm and approximately 320nm). In addition, a xenon flashtube can provide relatively sufficientintensity in the spectrum which is known to be optimally germicidal(i.e., between approximately 260 nm and approximately 265 nm). Moreover,a xenon flashtube generates an extreme amount of heat, which can furthercontribute to the deactivation and killing of microorganisms.

Although they are not readily available on the commercial market todate, a surface-discharge lamp may be considered for some of thegermicidal light disinfection systems described herein as noted above.Similar to a xenon flashtube, a surface-discharge lamp producesultraviolet light in the entire spectrum known to the germicidal (i.e.,between approximately 200 nm and approximately 320 nm). In contrast,however, surface-discharge lamps operate at higher energy levels perpulse and, thus, greater UV efficiency, as well as offer longer lamplife as compared to xenon flashtubes. It is noted that theaforementioned descriptions and comparisons of a mercury-vapor lamp, axenon flashlamp, and a surface discharge lamp in no way restrict thegermicidal light disinfection systems described herein to include suchlamps. Rather, the aforementioned descriptions and comparisons aremerely provided to offer factors which one skilled in the art maycontemplate when selecting a germicidal light source for the germicidallight disinfection systems described herein.

A disinfection apparatus may be configured to distribute germicidallight into an ambient of a room in a spacious manner. The disinfectionapparatus may be of any shape, size, or configuration in which toachieve such an objective. In some cases, the disinfection apparatus maybe configured to disperse germicidal light to a continuous ring regionaround the apparatus. In particular, an apparatus may in some cases bevoid of an opaque component 360° around an elongated portion of thegermicidal light source such that light emitted from the germicidallight source encircles the apparatus. In some cases, a disinfectionapparatus may include components in addition to a light source to effectthe generation or dispersal of the germicidal light from the lightsource, such as reflectors, particularly which exhibit a relatively highdegree of reflectivity (e.g., greater than approximately 85%).Regardless of the number of germicidal light sources comprising adisinfection apparatus or whether it is equipped with additionalcomponents to aid in the dispersal of the germicidal light, thedisinfection apparatuses described herein may include other germicidalmeans, such as but not limited to chemical sprays, fogs or vapors.

In some cases, it may be advantageous for a room/area germicidal lightdisinfection device configured to direct germicidal light to a regionapproximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room inwhich the apparatus is arranged. In particular, the region betweenapproximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room isconsidered a “high touch” region of a room since objects of frequent useare generally placed in such a region. Thus, a disinfection apparatusconfigured to direct light to such a region may be suited for roomdisinfection processes. Examples of disinfection apparatuses configuredto direct germicidal light to a region approximately 2 feet andapproximately 4 feet from a floor of a room in which the apparatus isarranged are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/706,926 filedDec. 6, 2012 and Ser. No. 13/708,208 filed Dec. 7, 2012 as well asInternational Application No. PCT/US2014/059698 filed Oct. 8, 2014, allof which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth fullyherein. It is noted that a feature which often is in included inapparatuses configured for room disinfection and having UV light sourcesis an occupancy sensor, particularly such that the generation of UVlight may be inhibited and/or terminated upon making a detection whichis indicative of occupancy within the area/room in which the apparatusis arranged.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that this invention is believed to provide smokedetector shields configured to block or minimize the transmission oflight therethrough and methods for use. As noted above, the smokedetector shields described herein are particularly useful in mitigatingthe false tripping of photoelectric receivers within spot typephotoelectric smoke detectors by shielding the photoelectric receiverfrom ambient light in a room. However, the smoke detector shields andmethods described herein are not strictly limited to shielding spot typephotoelectric smoke detectors, or to shielding the photoelectricreceivers of such smoke detectors.

In some cases, some embodiments of the smoke detector shields describedherein may be used to mitigate false tripping of smoke detectors thatare configured to detect heat or changes in ionization. For example,some embodiments of the smoke detector shields described herein may beconfigured to encapsulate an entirety of the smoke detector when thesmoke detector is mounted on a surface, thereby reducing and/orpreventing heat and/or smoke particles from entering the smoke detector.Examples of smoke detector shields configured to encapsulate an entiretyof a smoke detector mounted onto a surface are shown in FIGS. 7-10. Assuch, the smoke detector shields and methods described herein may beused to mitigate false tripping of smoke detectors by preventing aphotoelectric receiver of a photoelectric smoke detector from detectingambient light in a room, and/or by preventing heat and/or smokeparticles from entering any type of smoke detector.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements andmaterials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein,parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims. The term “approximately” as used herein refers tovariations of up to +/−5% of the stated number.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for shielding a smoke detector, whereinthe device comprises: a shroud configured for surrounding at least aportion of a smoke detector; a pole having a first end coupled to theshroud, and a second end opposing the first end, wherein the polecomprises a length, or is configured to extend to a length, of at leastapproximately 3.0 feet; and a support base coupled near the second endof the pole for supporting the device on a horizontal surface.
 2. Thedevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the pole comprises a length, or isconfigured to extend to a length, of at least approximately 5.0 feet. 3.The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the pole is a telescopingpole.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising one ormore quick release devices for detaching the pole from the shroud and/orfor disassembling the pole into two or more sections.
 5. The device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the support base is a collapsible supportbase.
 6. The device as recited in claim 5, wherein the support base is acollapsible tripod.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein thesupport base, shroud, and pole are configurable such that the device isable to attain a height of at least approximately 7 feet.
 8. The deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the shroud is configured to encapsulatean entirety of the smoke detector when the smoke detector is mounted toa surface.
 9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the shroud isconfigured to surround at least a portion of the smoke detector whileleaving one or more smoke inlets of the smoke detector uncovered by theshroud.
 10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the shroudcomprises an upper surface configured for attachment to a surface uponwhich the smoke detector is mounted.
 11. The device as recited in claim1, wherein the shroud comprises an upper surface configured forattachment to the smoke detector.
 12. A method, comprising: positioninga base of a smoke detector shield on a horizontal surface under aceiling mounted smoke detector, wherein the smoke detector shieldcomprises: a telescoping pole, wherein a first end of the telescopingpole is the base of the smoke detector shield or is coupled to the baseof the smoke detector shield; and a smoke detector shroud coupled to asecond end of the telescoping pole opposing the first end; and extendingthe telescoping pole such that the smoke detector shroud surrounds atleast a portion of the smoke detector and the smoke detector shroud issecured by tension of the telescoping pole against a ceiling which thesmoke detector is mounted.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising activating a light emission device while the smoke detectorshroud is positioned around the smoke detector and secured against theceiling, wherein the light emission device is configured to generateinfrared light at a radiant intensity greater than approximately 1 W/sr,and/or ultraviolet light at a radiant intensity greater thanapproximately 1 W/sr, and/or visible light at a luminous flux greaterthan approximately 3000 lumens.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thelight emission device is a germicidal light disinfection apparatus. 15.The method of claim 13, further comprising deactivating the lightemission device and subsequently retracting the telescoping pole tounshield the smoke detector.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein thesmoke detector is operationally arranged in a room, and wherein the stepof activating the light emission device comprises remotely activatingthe light emission device from outside of the room.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the smoke detector is operationally arranged in aroom, and wherein the method further comprises evacuating the roomsubsequent to positioning the smoke detector shroud around the smokedetector and prior to activating the light emission device.